If you ask anyone in the Phillies clubhouse who the heart and soul of the team is, you’ll get only one answer—Kyle Schwarber. He’s the glue, the leader, the guy who keeps everyone locked in. Whether a rookie trying to pave his way or a veteran going through something, Schwarber ensures that no one feels like they are on their own.
Whit Merrifield had put it perfectly: “He’s a great leader… a true leader. I’ve had teammates that have tried to be Kyle. It’s just not something that you can be. You can’t force it. It’s either you are or you aren’t. And Kyle is.” And even Nick Castellanos said the same, “He takes an interest in caring about others. And it’s not something that he fakes. It’s something that was ingrained in his childhood from an early age. It’s natural.” So he has this natural ability to connect with people.
And true to the words of the players above, Kyle Schwarber is not faking it. He learned these traits as a kid growing up from his father, a longtime police officer. And he recently narrated a story in Foul Territory, which just sums it all up beautifully.
“I’m gonna respect someone until you give me a reason not to respect you”@kschwarb12 tells an endearing story about an example set by his police officer dad pic.twitter.com/0KHFkKsW4i
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 6, 2025
As a young boy, Kyle was out and about with his dad when a guy covered with tattoos made his way to talk to his father. This had him wondering why his dad, a cop for 30 years, was just casually chatting with a man like that. Well, upon asking, his father said he arrested the same man 20 years earlier. And now? They were just having a conversation. Schwarber said he learned this on that day: “I’m going to respect someone until you give me a reason not to respect you.” Not judging a book by its cover is the lesson his dad gave him.
As for leadership skills, Kyle Schwarber says that they are all his dad’s. Being a police officer, he knew exactly how to talk to, behave around, and handle things even when the stressors came on. And so he just picked it up. And it’s not learn and forget for him; he retains the lessons, and hence, he can move so easily in the Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse. Just make sure everyone feels included.
Edmundo Sosa, who experienced the same, had said, “He treats everyone the same, no matter their status. Since I got here, he’s made me feel secure. He’s let me be myself. He’s always pushing us to do things right.” So in the end, his leadership goes way beyond the mound or the clubhouse—it’s just the essence of him. And it seems like his future with the Philadelphia Phillies is not done yet.
Philadelphia Phillies’ stance on Kyle Schwarber extension
Kyle Schwarber’s time with the Philadelphia Phillies might not be coming to an end just yet. With the slugger entering the final year of his four-year, $79 million deal, the team is in discussions about a potential contract extension. But right now, apparently, nothing is set in stone. But as far as intentions go, Schwarber wants to stay in the Philadelphia Phillies. His connection with the city, the fans, and his role in the clubhouse make him a cornerstone of the franchise, after all.
Oct 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) is congratulated by first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) after making a catch against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in game one of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Over the three seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies, he has launched 131 home runs and proved his worth in the lineup. This season, he is set to be hitting 36 homers with an .812 OPS. So his offensive power is still very much alive and kicking. The Philadelphia Phillies, although they have been quiet this season, have stuck to their core rather than making any core signings. However, if they want to keep that firepower going after 2025, locking in Schwarber for a longer deal makes sense.
Contract talks are ongoing, but they are not urgent. Now, as far as comparison goes, Teoscar Hernandez’s three-year, $66 million deal can set the frame for Schwarber’s next deal. His production and leadership skills are high, so he can benefit from it. Right now, though, letting Schwarber walk away won’t be in the best interest of the Philadelphia Phillies. His impact, after all, goes beyond the mound.
Do you think it’s a deal waiting to happen? Let us know in the comments.
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